NoteWorthy, a concert series that pairs gifted Black and brown artists from Charlotte’s music scene with classically trained musicians. It’s what happens when jazz, soul, Latin, rock, hip-hop, pop, and R&B meet classical.
Through this project, WDAV Classical Public Radio and FAIR PLAY Music Equity Initiative aim to break down cultural divisions among music lovers by centering the contributions of musicians of color. Their shared vision is to build one Charlotte music community that values all voices.
The six-concert series kicks off virtually with the first three taking place on Facebook Live. In late Spring, WDAV and FAIR PLAY will announce the final three concerts of the season and whether they will take place virtually or in front of a live audience. Details for the series can be found at www.noteworthyclassical.org and in CVNC’s calendar.
“I’m excited about the NoteWorthy series as it’s an example of how difference can be a beautiful tool to bring us together, instead of divide,” said David “Dae-Lee” Arrington, Co-Founder of FAIR PLAY Music Equity Initiative and Hue House co-owner.
“We are grateful for FAIR PLAY’s partnership in this project and believe that NoteWorthy will contribute to the collective effort to make Charlotte’s music scene more equitable and inclusive for musicians and music fans,” added Frank Dominguez, WDAV’s General Manager and host of the bilingual classical music program Concierto.
NoteWorthy debuts at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 14th Charlotte singer-songwriter Arsena Schroeder, who fuses R&B, pop, and folk influences into songs that tackle topics of personal healing and empowerment. She will be joined by composer and pianist Leonard Mark Lewis, violinist Lenora Cox Leggatt, and guitarist Chris Suter. Schroeder will take the virtual stage on Facebook Live at facebook.com/wdavclassical.
“During the pandemic, one of the things I missed most was creating music and drawing inspiration by working with new musicians,” said Schroeder, recording artist and founder of Dear Soul Music Co. “Noteworthy gave me a chance to do so while also allowing me to work with musicians that approach music differently than I do. I believe merging the two worlds of contemporary and classical makes for a wonderful palette that listeners from both worlds should find enjoyable.”
“I can’t think of a better artist to kick off NoteWorthy than Arsena. Her talent and charisma shine through in everything she does,” said Will Keible, Director of Marketing at WDAV. “The pairing of Arsena with her classical companions, Mark and Lenora, has resulted in a collaboration that exceeded all of our expectations.”
NoteWorthy resumes on Wednesday, May 26th, when GRAMMY-Award winning singer-songwriter, rapper, producer, and renaissance artist Greg Cox brings his explosive blend of Hip Hop, R&B, and gospel to the stage where he will perform alongside violist Matt Darsey and Charlotte Symphony Orchestra violinist Jane Hart Brendle. Charlotte recording artist A$H. makes a guest appearance.
The first half of the NoteWorthy season concludes on Wednesday, June 30th at 7:30pm with singer-songwriter and cultural activist Quisol, who blends pop and Latin influences to create a sound as distinct as it is powerful. He is joined by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra musicians Kari Giles, violin), and Jeremy Lamb, cello.
NoteWorthy was awarded a Cultural Vision Grant by the Arts and Science Council. The series is sponsored by OrthoCarolina.